Fountain of Sorrow

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your groovy Zoo Crew spinning the vibes on THE ZOO! We’re diving into the soulful sounds of Jackson Browne’s “Fountain of Sorrow” from his 1974 masterpiece Late for the Sky. This track is a fan favorite, clocking in at a hefty 6:42, the longest song on the album and Browne’s longest at the time. Fun fact: the single got chopped by two minutes to try for radio play, but it still didn’t crack Billboard’s Hot 100. Don’t let that fool you, though—this tune’s a lyrical journey, with Browne weaving a tale of love lost, sparked by finding an old photograph. Critics like Rolling Stone’s Stephen Holden called it a deep dive into “sex and nothingness, fantasy and realism,” with the chorus turning romanticized love into a “fountain of sorrow, fountain of light.”

Now, let’s get juicy with some trivia. In a 2014 live performance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Browne dropped a bombshell about “Fountain of Sorrow,” saying it was written for an ex-lover but ended up being “more generous than she deserved.” Ouch! Many fans and critics, including a piece from the Joni Mitchell Library, speculate it’s about his brief, intense romance with Joni Mitchell in the early ’70s. Browne’s been coy, saying in an interview, “It’s about the fact that when you fall in love with someone, when you’re brokenhearted, you don’t see them as a person.” The song’s reflective vibe, paired with its bouncy rock beat, makes it a bittersweet gem. NPR caught a live version from that 2014 show, noting how Browne, backed by J.D. Souther’s harmonies and Ry Cooder’s slide guitar, gave the song “bright new life.” Oh, and did you know Joan Baez covered it on her 1975 album Diamonds & Rust, placing it right after her Dylan-inspired title track?

Let’s rewind to how Jackson Browne kicked off his career. Born on October 9, 1948, in Heidelberg, Germany, to American parents, Browne grew up in Los Angeles, soaking up the Southern California music scene. By 16, he was already a prodigy, penning “These Days” (originally “I’ve Been Out Walking”), which he gave to Nico for her 1967 album Chelsea Girl, where Browne played guitar. At 17, he hit the road to New York, gigging with Nico and rubbing shoulders with the Velvet Underground crowd. Back in L.A., he became a fixture in the folk-rock scene, writing songs for folks like Linda Ronstadt and co-writing “Take It Easy” with Glenn Frey for the Eagles’ breakthrough hit. His 1972 self-titled debut, with hits like “Doctor, My Eyes” and “Rock Me on the Water,” put him on the map, and by Late for the Sky in 1974, he was a critical darling, with Bruce Springsteen later calling it his “masterpiece” at Browne’s 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Jackson Browne on his official website, where you’ll find tour dates and news about his latest album, Downhill From Everywhere. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares updates and throwbacks, like his 2021 American Songwriter feature. Fans are buzzing on the Jackson Browne Fans Facebook group, a lively spot for Zoo Freaks to swap stories and rare vinyl finds. Check out JacksonBrowneFans.com for deep dives into his discography and tour archives. So, crank up “Fountain of Sorrow,” let those reflective vibes wash over you, and stay wild, Zoo Freaks!